Apple, who asked for this?: New Genmoji feature feels lackluster

Apple released a new AI-generated emoji feature, Genmoji, in December 2024. Courtesy: Apple

Just when you thought Apple was done creating useless updates, they introduced Genmoji because the thousands of emojis we already have aren’t enough. With AI-generated, personalized emojis, Apple is counting on users to want limitless ways to express themselves. It is hard not to wonder if this is just another Apple innovation that falls short of expectations.

This past December, Apple released its newest AI feature Genmoji, that allows its users to create AI-generated custom emojis as part of the iOS 18.2 update. Users can generate personalized emojis by going to their emoji keyboard, accessing the Genmoji creator tool, and describing what they want to create.

Apple’s AI then generates a plethora of different emojis based on what was described. Available across select iPhone, iPad and Mac models, it is Apple’s latest attempt to make conversations more fun. The bigger question is whether users agree with this newfound update.

Many Apple users anticipate innovations that make their loyalty to the brand worth it. In the past, Apple has delivered Face ID, Dynamic Island, and M1 chips that significantly impacted the tech industry, making Genmoji a questionable innovation in comparison.

While Genmoji has unique features that let users create custom emojis using photos in their photo library as well as description-based emojis, it does not enhance core smartphone functions. With the cost of iPhones continuing to skyrocket, you would think Apple’s focus would be on real functionality. Competitors are outpacing Apple in areas such as customization, battery life, and price-to-value, yet Apple is prioritizing custom emojis.

One of the biggest flaws users are seeing is the speed with which it takes to create a Genmoji.

“It takes too long to get to the point,” Tyler Hayes wrote in a review for How-to Geek.

Another issue users are seeing is that it is difficult to create the desired emoji described to the AI tool. You are either too specific or not specific enough. Once you finally get the results you want, the conversation has progressed, and you have a custom emoji of a pig holding a coffee cup that no longer makes sense.

Apple has consistently made a name for itself in the tech world with innovations that have changed how we use our devices. With Genmoji, the anticipation of the latest Apple software feels lackluster. Yes, it’s an arguably fun way to customize messages, but does it justify the rising prices or lack of major hardware upgrades?

Since Apple seems to be set on developing its AI software, will we see proper innovation in the future or are iPhone users getting used to underwhelming updates? Maybe the real upgrade was the friends we made along the way.